Legends of Manitoulin:

The Burning Boat

When a full red moon rises over the shores of Providence Bay, a phantom ship is engulfed by hot red tongues of burning flames.

What could the mysterious ghost-like ship be? Are the secret whispers of a thousand stories of centuries gone by heard amongst the glowing embers of the ship’s gutted frame? Or is the burning boat simply an illusion of the moonlight dancing upon the rippling waters of Providence Bay?

No one really knows. And it has been a good many years since the legend of this blazing vessel has been told amongst the townspeople of the tiny hamlet of Providence Bay. The legend has all but been forgotten.

And it has been a good many years since the legend of this blazing vessel has been told amongst the townspeople of the tiny hamlet of Providence Bay. The legend has all but been forgotten.

Nearly fifty years ago tourists and locals alike used to line the shores of Providence Bay, directly in front of the Cornish’s camping park, now Providence Bay Tent & Trailer Park, to try and catch a glimpse of this flaming enigma. Sometimes numbers would equal thirty or forty, and all would scan the bay until three or four in the morning, looking for the legendary ship.

And many times their search would be successful. Many a tourist has left Manitoulin with the never to be forgotten memory of a fiery red ball of flames floating on the waters just off where the lighthouse used to stand. And some have even captured the spectacle on film.

Legend has it that the boat bursts into sight in a huge ball of fire and then, for a time, the flames recede to allow the observer to see the outline of the gutted ship.

Many a tourist has left Manitoulin with the never to be forgotten memory of a fiery red ball of flames floating on the waters just off where the lighthouse used to stand. And some have even captured the spectacle on film.

But sceptics claim that the boat can only be seen at night, because without the reflection for the huge red moon, the illusion is not possible. Sightings at dusk, they answer, a simply the result of a brilliant sunset playing the same tricks upon the waves.

Another theory tries to explain the hazy, smoky image of the burning boat. It has been said that the ship’s flaming outline is almost like hot gasses or heated air flickering for a moment and then erupting into flames.

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and wait until the fiery apparition appears. It may be a night you will never forget.

Whatever it is, the puzzling legend of the burning boat will forever spark the curiosity of all those who know the tale.

But by no means take anyone’s word for it. See for yourself. Mark your calendar for the full moon during your Manitoulin vacation. It would be the perfect opportunity to watch a legend in progress. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and wait until the fiery apparition appears. It may be a night you will never forget.